Fought in both wars, was decorated for Christmas.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Dick O'Brien
Miracle finish gives Darren Smith a Billy Whittaker Cars 200 victory
Oswego, N.Y. — Saturday night’s 54th running of the Super DIRT Week 200 finale for big-block modifieds produced the most bizarre finish in the history of this event. Darren Smith came from 17th place to the lead in the last seven laps and this 26-year-old Binghamton driver pulled off a shocking $54,000 victory.
Alex Yankowski wins Salute to the Troops 150 at Oswego
Oswego, N.Y. — Alex Yankowski made a dramatic charge from fifth to first on a late race restart and went on to win the Salute to the Troops 150 during Super DIRT Week Friday night at the Oswego Speedway. This 22-year-old racer from Covington Township, Pennsylvania started back in the 17th position but made a steady move up through the field that resulted in a $22,000 victory in this DIRT 358 modified special event.
Larry Wight wins pole position for Oswego 200 Saturday
Thursday afternoon’s qualifying session saw Larry Wight grab the pole position for Saturday night’s Billy Whittaker Cars 200 at the Oswego Speedway. For the frosting on the cake, the Fulton racer then went out and won his DIRT big-block modified qualifying heat race and picked up an additional $4,000. Baldwinsville’s Jimmy Phelps was second fast time trailer and will share the front row with Wight for Super DIRT Week’s 200-lap finale.
After 54 years, Super DIRT Week continues to grow and prosper Original
The inaugural Super DIRT Week race got off to a modest start in 1972 with a 100-lap event on the New York State Fairgrounds one mile oval in Syracuse. The race was won by veteran driver Buzzie Reutimann. Buzzie came right back and won it a second time in 1973. The Super DIRT programs were an immediate success and car counts and sponsorships increased each year. In 1980, DIRT 358 modifieds were added to the program and in 1992, sportsman and pro stocks joined the Fairgrounds lineup.
Mat Williamson disqualified from Outlaw 200 win at Fulton
Fulton, N.Y. — Fulton Speedway officials on Tuesday disqualified Mat Williamson from his victory in Saturday night’s 40th annual Outlaw 200 modified race. Following the race, engines from the top finishers were carefully inspected and Williamson’s 358-cubic-inch Chevrolet motor was found to have an unapproved aluminum intake manifold. Tuesday, Fulton officials announced that Williamson’s car had been disqualified and his team will not be included in the payoff for the Outlaw 200.
Mat Williamson wins fourth Outlaw 200 at Fulton
Fulton, N.Y. — Mat Williamson continued his domination of the Outlaw 200 at Fulton Speedway Saturday night, capturing the rich 358 modified special for the fourth time. This St. Catharines, Ontario, racer pocketed over $20,000 for his third straight triumph and fourth overall on this 3/8-mile, Route 57 oval. Forty-five modifieds started the Outlaw event, and polesitter Stewart Friesen went out and led the first 51 laps before Williamson took over.
40th Outlaw 200 set for Fulton Speedway Saturday Original
The 358 modified stock cars will take center stage this Saturday as the Fulton Speedway runs the 40th Neivel Outlaw 200. The victor of this 200-lap test on the 3/8-mile, Route 57 oval pockets a $20,157 check. Upwards of sixty 358’s are expected to vie for a spot in the richest 358 modified program in the area. But the Outlaw 200 is more than a one day racing special event. Starting Thursday night, eight different classes of race cars will be competing for over $150,000 in prize money.
Jared Zimbardi and Matt Sheppard win Outlaw Fall National features
The Outlaw Speedway ran their annual Fall National special Friday night and Jared Zimbardi and Matt Sheppard won the featured Empire Super Sprint and modified feature races. Zimbardi became the 12th different ESS feature winner this season when he captured their 25-lap main event for a $4,000 payday. Dave Franek, Matt Farnham, Jason Barney and Jordan Hutton made up the top five finishers. The 35-lap modified main event saw Matt Sheppard win his 11th feature of 2026.
Jared Zimbardi and Matt Sheppard win Outlaw Fall National features
The Outlaw Speedway ran their annual Fall National special Friday night and Jared Zimbardi and Matt Sheppard won the featured Empire Super Sprint and modified feature races. Zimbardi became the 12th different ESS feature winner this season when he captured their 25-lap main event for a $4,000 payday. Dave Franek, Matt Farnham, Jason Barney and Jordan Hutton made up the top five finishers. The 35-lap modified main event saw Matt Sheppard win his 11th feature of 2026.
Alex Yankowski looks for first Super DIRT Series title
Sports Alex Yankowski looks for first Super DIRT Series title Updated: Sep. 24, 2026, 9:58 a.m. |Published: Sep. 24, 2026, 9:52 a.m. Set as Google Preferred Source
Tyler Shullick wins 2026 ISMA-MSS title at Evans Mills
Tyler Shullick won the 2026 ISMA-MSS title Saturday night at the Evans Mills Speedway and he did it in championship style. This VermilFion, Ohio racer held a lengthy lead in points going into Saturday’s final ISMA-MSS event of the season, but Shullick grabbed off the lead on a lap 52 restart andTrautschold dominated the rest of the 100-lap/$5,000-to-win finale. It was his fourth ISMA win this season. Jeff Abold ran with the leaders all night and was a solid second place finisher.
Tyler Shullick wins 2026 ISMA-MSS title at Evans Mills
Tyler Shullick won the 2026 ISMA-MSS title Saturday night at the Evans Mills Speedway and he did it in championship style. This VermilFion, Ohio racer held a lengthy lead in points going into Saturday’s final ISMA-MSS event of the season, but Shullick grabbed off the lead on a lap 52 restart andTrautschold dominated the rest of the 100-lap/$5,000-to-win finale. It was his fourth ISMA win this season. Jeff Abold ran with the leaders all night and was a solid second place finisher.
Tyler Shullick seeks first ISMA title at Evans Mills Saturday
The 2026 ISMA supermodified champion will be crowned this Saturday when the Evans Mills Speedway presents the 7th annual John Burr Classic. This 100-lap/$5,000-to-win feature race finds Ohio’s Tyler Shullick with a 137-point lead over Mike McVetta and Mike Ordway Jr. going into the final ISMA point race of the year on this 3/8-mile paved North Country oval.
Jackson Gill and Mat Williamson shine at Can-Am
LaFargeville, N.Y. — The Can-Am Speedway completed its 52nd season this weekend with the three-day, Showdown in September special and Jackson Gill and Mat Williamson were the top performers on this half-mile LaFargeville facility. Over the three days, a pair of DIRT 358 modified features were won by Mat Williamson, which was expected. But the big surprise at Can-Am this weekend was the feature win by Jackson Gill in Saturday’s Super DIRT Series big-block modified main event.
Jackson Gill and Mat Williamson shine at Can-Am
LaFargeville, N.Y. — The Can-Am Speedway completed its 52nd season this weekend with the three-day, Showdown in September special and Jackson Gill and Mat Williamson were the top performers on this half-mile LaFargeville facility. Over the three days, a pair of DIRT 358 modified features were won by Mat Williamson, which was expected. But the big surprise at Can-Am this weekend was the feature win by Jackson Gill in Saturday’s Super DIRT Series big-block modified main event.
Showdown in September set for Can-Am Speedway Original
LaFargeville, N.Y. — If DIRT modified racing is your thing, the Can-Am Speedway is the place to be this weekend. This half-mile LaFargeville oval will close out its 52nd season with a three-day Showdown in September program that has nine feature races on the schedule. Things get started Thursday night when the rescheduled Pabst Shootout from July 1 gets rolling. The main event for the 358 modifieds is a 50 lapper paying $4,000 to win.
Otto Sitterly scores record-tying sixth Classic 200 win at Oswego Original
Oswego, N.Y. — Otto Sitterly put on a dramatic late-race charge in Sunday afternoon’s 70th International Classic 200 at the Oswego Speedway and pulled off a record-tying sixth Classic triumph. Ohio’s Dave Shullick Jr. appeared to have control of the 200-lap/125-mile grind and he took over the top spot from Sitterly on the 13th lap and led for the next 177 circuits.
Patrick Emerling eyes Whelen modified title after Oswego victory Saturday Original
Oswego, N.Y. — Patrick Emerling had a slender lead in points over Austin Beers going into Saturday night’s Whelen Modified Tour 150 at the Oswego Speedway. But the Orchard Park driver put on a dominating performance in a solid victory and Beers ran into problems and it left Emerling heading for the 2026 Whelen championship. The victor picked up a $12,500 check for the win and recorded his fourth Whelen victory of the season.
Otto Sitterly wins pole position for Sunday’s Oswego Classic 200
Oswego, N.Y. — Otto Sitterly turned a 15.810 sec./142.315 mph lap Friday afternoon to qualify for the pole position for Sunday’s 70th annual Budweiser International Classic 200 at Oswego Speedway. This Canajoharie racer will be looking for a record-tying sixth Classic victory. Greg Furlong and Bentley Warren have each won six of the 200-lap, 125-mile International Classics. Dan Connors Jr. will share the front row with Sitterly after his 15.995-second qualifying lap.
Otto Sitterly wins pole position for Sunday’s Oswego Classic 200
Oswego, N.Y. — Otto Sitterly turned a 15.810 sec./142.315 mph lap Friday afternoon to qualify for the pole position for Sunday’s 70th annual Budweiser International Classic 200 at Oswego Speedway. This Canajoharie racer will be looking for a record-tying sixth Classic victory. Greg Furlong and Bentley Warren have each won six of the 200-lap, 125-mile International Classics. Dan Connors Jr. will share the front row with Sitterly after his 15.995-second qualifying lap.
70th Oswego Classic weekend set to roll Original
Oswego, N.Y. — This Sunday’s 70th annual Budweiser International Classic 200 at the Oswego Speedway is the longest, richest and most prestigious event in supermodified racing. The grueling 200-lap/125-mile race is a true test of man and machine and the victor wears the crown of king of supermod racing for 2026. But Budweiser Classic weekend is more than just a single supermodified race.
Andy Jankowiak goes from disappointment at Daytona to victory lane at Holland
Andy Jankowiak’s shot at big-time NASCAR stock car racing at Daytona Friday night turned into a major disappointment, but the Tonawanda racer hustled back to the Race of Champions program at the Holland Speedway Saturday night and ended up in victory lane. Andy had secured a ride in Friday night’s O’Reilly Series 250 at Daytona in the RSS Racing Ford, but things didn’t go well. “The car just didn’t have enough speed,” said Jankowiak.
Andy Jankowiak started out racing microds and is now heading for Daytona
All Andy Jankowiak ever wanted to do was race automobiles. This Tonawanda driver started out in microds at age six and then progressed to running TQ midgets, street stocks, late models sportsman and modifieds around the Buffalo area. Jankowiak has been a fixture around local victory lanes for the past 30 years and his career feature win total is approaching 100. But he always had a burning desire to take a shot at top level NASCAR stock car racing.
Mat Williamson continues to win on DIRT circuit
Mat Williamson is the winningest driver in DIRT modified racing and this St. Catharines, Ontario racer ran his Ransomville Speedway win total for 2026 to eight with a $2,000 victory in Friday night’s DIRT 358 modified feature at this WNY oval. The win gives Williamson 21 for this season and 287 for his career. RECORDS SET AT OSWEGO Saturday night, Oswego Speedway ran its 75th championship night program and several new records were established.
Mat Williamson continues to win on DIRT circuit
Mat Williamson is the winningest driver in DIRT modified racing and this St. Catharines, Ontario racer ran his Ransomville Speedway win total for 2026 to eight with a $2,000 victory in Friday night’s DIRT 358 modified feature at this WNY oval. The win gives Williamson 21 for this season and 287 for his career. RECORDS SET AT OSWEGO Saturday night, Oswego Speedway ran its 75th championship night program and several new records were established.
Summerfast modified series is a rousing success Original
The 5th annual Summerfast racing series for DIRT big-block modifieds has been an overwhelming success this week, The four-race series produced strong fields of cars each night, piloted by the top drivers in DIRT modified racing. The racing was super competitive, with most events going into the final laps with two and three cars battling for the win. The series also saw the emergence of young super stars Alex Yankowski and Alex Payne.
Otto Sitterly wins record 7th Mr. Supermodified victory at Oswego Original
Otto Sitterly continued his total domination of Oswego Speedway’s supermodified division by winning Saturday night’s 39th annual $10,000-to-win, Mr Supermodified special for a record seventh time. This lakeside oval has run four tail wing supermod shows this season and Otto has won them all and is cruising toward a record eleventh Oswego supermodified track championship. This Canajoharie racer now has 55 career Oswego supermod victories, third all-time behind Jimmy Shampine and Bentley Warren.
$130,000 Summerfast DIRT modified series set for Weedsport Sunday
Take $130,000 in total awards, throw in four straight nights of DIRT big-block modified racing and you have the ingredients for the Summerfast racing series. Things get started this Sunday evening when Weedsport Speedway hosts the annual Hall of Fame 100. This Super DIRTcar special carries a $10,000 first place prize and all the big guns from the DIRT big-block modified ranks will be on hand.
Battle wins first supermodified race in stunning upset at Oswego
Jeffrey Battle won his first-ever supermodified race Sunday afternoon at the Oswego Speedway in a stunning upset in the 50-lap ISMA-MSS main event. This New England supermod rookie was running third late in the main event, but he made two beautiful outside passes of Michael Barnes and Mike Ordway Jr. with five laps remaining and went on to the $6,000 triumph. The race was run on the Sunday rain date after storms Saturday night postponed the program after the qualifying heats were run.
Battle wins first supermodified race in stunning upset at Oswego
Jeffrey Battle won his first-ever supermodified race Sunday afternoon at the Oswego Speedway in a stunning upset in the 50-lap ISMA-MSS main event. This New England supermod rookie was running third late in the main event, but he made two beautiful outside passes of Michael Barnes and Mike Ordway Jr. with five laps remaining and went on to the $6,000 triumph. The race was run on the Sunday rain date after storms Saturday night postponed the program after the qualifying heats were run.
Lyle DeVore honored at Albany-Saratoga Speedway
Back in 2014, Lebanon Valley Speedway owner, Howard Commander, bought the Albany-Saratoga Speedway and hired LeMoyne College graduate Lyle DeVore to run it for him. DeVore did everything at this Route 9, Malta facility. He promoted the races, he maintained the clay racing surface and kept the grounds in tip-top shape, Lyle had one of the most successful short-tracks in the area. He averaged over 140 cars in the pits in his five classes each Friday night. His grandstands were generally full.
Mat Williamson outruns brother-in-law for Ransomville win Original
Every Friday night, Mat Williamson and his brother-in-law, Gary Lindberg, strap into their DIRT modifieds and battle for wins at the Ransomville Speedway. To date, Williamson has had the upper hand and Friday’s DIRT 358 modified triumph was his seventh of 2026 at this half-mile, Western New York oval. This week’s victory for Williamson gives him 19 for the season and 285 for his career. But Lindberg has responded well, racking up three trips to the Ransomville victory lane.
Weather keeping local tracks from hitting top speed Original
The biggest negative in local short-track racing to date in 2026 has been the weather. Nobody knows that better than Paul Cole. Cole has promoted racing at the Land of Legends Speedway for the past nine years and the wet stuff has hit him hard in the first half of his 2026 season. “Our first four scheduled programs were all rained out, said Cole. “By the time we completed our first program, it was May 30th.
Sheldon Haudenschild and David Gravel win Outlaw features at Weedsport
Weedsport Speedway’s $240,000 Empire State Challenge opened up Saturday night with a record 42 Outlaw 410 sprint cars in the pit area. Their 30-lap main event started out with outside pole sitter Logan Schuchart in the early lead. Schuchart was dominant in the first half of the feature but began having problems with traffic in the closing laps. Sheldon Haudenschild caught the leader with four laps left in the race and slipped past for his seventh victory of the year and $12,000.
World of Outlaws Sprint tour rolls into Weedsport this weekend Original
Back in 1978, former midget racer, Ted Johnson, organized a group of sprint car teams into the first true coast to coast sprint car sanctioning body. The name of the group was the World of Outlaws Sprint Tour. Johnson’s new group was an immediate success and race dates and payoffs started to climb. In 1903, Johnson sold the Outlaw Tour to DIRT Motorsports out of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Friesen and Williamson win Utica-Rome feature races
The Utica-Rome Speedway ran a unique day/night, big-block modified doubleheader Sunday and Stewart Friesen and Mat Williamson each picked up a main event triumph. Things got rolling at mid-afternoon with the final 55 laps of the rescheduled Richie Evans Remembered main event. Stewart Friesen qualified for the pole and dominated the event for a $6,100 payday.
Utica-Rome Speedway honors Dale Planck with 77-lap race
Dale Planck was a second generation, dirt track modified racer. This Cortland native had a smooth, easy going driving style that earned him the nickname “The Natural.” He won over 200 feature races, plus numerous track championships and titles. Dale won 42 feature races and five track titles at the Utica-Rome Speedway. This Vernon oval honored him Wednesday night with a 77-lap, Super DIRT Series special on their half-mile, clay oval.
Amy Holland Buff becomes ninth different big-block modified winner at Brewerton Original
The new winners just keep rolling into Brewerton’s victory lane this season. On Friday night, Amy Holland Buff outran Chris Hile in the closing laps to become the ninth different DIRT big-block modified driver to win a feature race at this popular Route 11 oval. Her win in the 35-lap feature race netted her a nice $2,000 check. Larry Wight followed Hile home in third, with Ronnie Davis III and Tim Sears Jr. completing the top five finishers.
Young racers heading for victory lane at many tracks
As the 2026 racing season moves along, a group of aggressive teenage racers is making their presents felt at local speedways in the area. These young gun racers have developed their skills in entry level classes like microds, slingshots and three-quarter midgets at a young age. When they reach their teenage years, many are jumping into modifieds or open wheel cars and are beginning to be very competitive at local tracks.
Waterlogged ESS Speed Week struggles to the checkered flag Original
The annual Empire Super Sprint Speed Week is normally five straight nights of 360 sprint car racing. But this year’s event was hammered with wet weather from start to finish. Tuesday’s opener at Weedsport was hit by a hard shower prior to the start, but organizers managed to get the show in. Wednesday’s program at the Can-Am Speedway was postponed by rain after the heats and has been rescheduled in September.
Weather keeping Land of Legends Speedway stuck in low gear
Talk about a rough start to the 2026 racing season. The Land of Legends Speedway opened its season with seven straight rainouts and this popular half-mile Canandaigua track was clearly stuck in low gear. Included in their string of postponements were three pre-season practice sessions and their first four DIRT big-block modified programs of 2026. By the time the Land of Legends Speedway could complete a race meet, it was almost June.
Weather keeping Land of Legends Speedway stuck in low gear
Talk about a rough start to the 2026 racing season. The Land of Legends Speedway opened its season with seven straight rainouts and this popular half-mile Canandaigua track was clearly stuck in low gear. Included in their string of postponements were three pre-season practice sessions and their first four DIRT big-block modified programs of 2026. By the time the Land of Legends Speedway could complete a race meet, it was almost June.
2026 ESS-CNY Speed Week starts Tuesday at Weedsport
The Empire Super Sprints Speedweek returns this week. Speedweek features multiple races held on back‑to‑back nights at tracks throughout the region from Tuesday to Saturday. The races will be held at Weedsport Speedway, Can‑Am Speedway (LaFargeville), Utica‑Rome Speedway and the Fulton Speedway.
Tony and Matt Hirschman continue to win pavement modified races
Tony Hirschman and his son Matt are pavement modified stock car racers. This Northampton, Pennsylvania duo has won hundreds of feature races, numerous tour titles and many track championships. They are considered the most successful father/son team in asphalt modified racing. Tony Hirschman won five NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour titles and was named one of the top ten modified drivers of all time.
Summer Nationals set for Ransomville Tuesday
by Dick O’Brien The Super DIRTcar Series for big-block modifieds rolls into Ransomville Speedway Tuesday night for the annual Ron Martin Memorial Summer Nationals. The 60-lap main event has a $6,000 first place payoff and upwards of forty DIRT modifieds will be on hand. Alex Yankowski has just taken over the SDS point lead from Mat Williamson last week, but the half-mile Ransomville oval is Williamson’s Friday night weekly home track, and this St. Catharines racer has 39 career victories there.
The Empire Super Sprint Club continues to grow and flourish in 2026
The Empire Super Sprint Club was established in 1983 to promote sprint car racing in Central New York. Its first race schedule contained a meager eight race dates, with a majority of the races run at the Brewerton and Fulton speedways. But through the years, ESS continued to grow and prosper and this 360 sprint group is now one of the stronger clubs in the country. ESS has an ambitious 31 race dates set for their 44th season in 2026.
Late pass makes Tim Sears Jr. sixth different Brewerton winner Original
Kyle Devendorf took off from the front row of Friday’s 35-lap, DIRT big-block modified feature at the Brewerton Speedway and led the first 33 circuits. But Tim Sears Jr. raced from mid-pack into the top spot with two laps left and went on to become the sixth different big-block feature winner in six shows at Brewerton in 2026. The victor picked up a $2,000 check for his efforts. Amy Buff slid into second on the final lap and a disappointed Kyle Devendorf had to settle for third.
Free admission for Richie Evans Remembered feature at Utica-Rome Sunday
The Richie Evans Remembered Memorial event at the Utica-Rome Speedway two weeks ago drew entries from all the top DIRT big-block modified teams in the area. But their 61-lap/$6,100-to-win main event was rained out after just six laps. The remaining 55 circuits on this Vernon oval will be completed this Sunday at 5 p.m. prior to the track’s regular show. There will be no charge to see the Evans feature and then the grandstands will be cleared for the Alex Friesen Memorial special that follows.
Otto Sitterly dominates Jim Shampine Memorial at Oswego
Engine problems kept Otto Sitterly from competing in last week’s ISMA-MSS season opener at the Oswego Speedway. But the 10-time Oswego track champion made sure that didn’t happen this week in Saturday night’s Jim Shampine Memorial feature race. This Canajoharie veteran dropped a new motor in his John Nicotra-owned, Hawk-built supermodified and went out and set fast time, won his heat race and led the 61-lap main event from start to finish.
Jim Shampine Memorial set for Oswego Speedway Saturday
Oswego, N.Y. — Jim Shampine was a draftsman by trade and raced supermodifieds at the Oswego Speedway from 1962 till 1982. This Cicero driver won a record 87 Oswego feature races, seven track championships and three Budweiser International Classic 200s. Many consider him the greatest driver in the track’s history. While his on-track performances were great, many feel his accomplishments in supermod chassis design exceeded his actual racing.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Dick
Contact Dick, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack